'''Madeira''' [http://www.madeiratourism.org] is a sub-tropical archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean and an autonomous region of [[Portugal]]. The archipelago is made up of two populated islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, and two groups of unpopulated islands called the Desertas and Selvagens Islands. It is part of the European Union ultraperifric area.

'''Madeira''' [http://www.madeiratourism.org] is a sub-tropical archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean and an autonomous region of [[Portugal]]. The archipelago is made up of two populated islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, and two groups of unpopulated islands called the Desertas and Selvagens Islands. It is part of the European Union ultraperifric area.

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Known worldwide as the Islands of eternal Spring, Madeira or "Ilha Jardim"{Garden Island} has a mild climate throughout the entire year.

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Known worldwide as the Islands of eternal Spring, Madeira, "Ilha Jardim"{Garden Island} or Pearl of the Atlantic, it has a mild climate throughout the entire year.

Madeira island is 310 miles from the African coast and 620 miles from the European continent, only 1h 30mn flight from mainland Portugal and about 3h from all the main countries in Europe.

Madeira island is 310 miles from the African coast and 620 miles from the European continent, only 1h 30mn flight from mainland Portugal and about 3h from all the main countries in Europe.

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==Cities, towns & villages==

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==Cities==

* [[Funchal]] &mdash; Island regional capital and largest city in Madeira, home to tourist resorts, gorgeous panoramas and local color.

* [[Funchal]] &mdash; Island regional capital and largest city in Madeira, home to tourist resorts, gorgeous panoramas and local color.

* [[Santa Cruz (Portugal)|Santa Cruz]]

* [[Santa Cruz (Portugal)|Santa Cruz]]

* [[Machico]]

* [[Machico]]

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* [[Santana]]

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* [[Santana (Portugal)|Santana]]

* [[Camara do Lobos]]

* [[Camara do Lobos]]

* [[Ribeira Brava]] town

* [[Ribeira Brava]] town

* [[Calheta]] town

* [[Calheta]] town

* [[Paul do Mar]] village

* [[Paul do Mar]] village

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==Other destinations==

* The nearby island of [[Porto Santo]]

* The nearby island of [[Porto Santo]]

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==Understand==

==Understand==

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Madeira Islands are just a short trip from Europe (more or less 4 hours from UK), to a destination where you can combine holidays on the beach, in the mountains or in the city.

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Madeira Islands are just a short trip from Europe (more or less 4 hours from UK), to a destination where you can combine holidays by the sea, in the mountains or in the city.

Discovered early in the 15th century by the Portuguese navigators João Gonçalves Zarco, Tristão Vaz Teixeira and Bartolomeu Perestrelo, Madeira is an autonomous region of [[Portugal]].

Discovered early in the 15th century by the Portuguese navigators João Gonçalves Zarco, Tristão Vaz Teixeira and Bartolomeu Perestrelo, Madeira is an autonomous region of [[Portugal]].

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Nowadays Madeira is a popular destination for tourists of all ages. Its mild climate throughout the year (temperatures between 20 and 27°C) keeps the spring on Madeira never ending. The Levadas, a ingenious system to distribute the water from the rainy north to the dry south, helps flowers blooming all over the year. That's why this island is called the ''Garden in the Atlantic'' The pathways to maintain these water canals are wonderful samelevel trails for hiking in the mountains (up to 1861m) and the tremendous landscape.

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Nowadays Madeira is a popular destination for tourists of all ages. Its constant mild climate (temperatures between 20 and 27°C) keeps the spring on Madeira all year round. The levadas, an ingenious system of stone- and concrete-lined watercourses distributing water from the rainy north to the dry south, help flowers and crops flourish all year. That's why this island is called the ''Garden in the Atlantic''. The maintenance pathways for these water canals provide wonderful level trails for hiking in the mountains (up to 1861m) and through the tremendous landscape.

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Unfortunately Madeira was hit by two catastrophes in 2010: Heavy rainfalls drowned Madeira and entailed a flood in the lower parts at the coasts with swelling rivers. While the results of this are barely to see anymore, the results of the disaster in August are still visible: heavy forest fires destroyed large parts of the forest. Up to the summit of the Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest Mountain, you can still see burnt ground and trees. While the soil is often already covered with a gentle green, the black logs of the trees still remind on the catastrophe. Nevertheless, there is still enough to see and hike on Madeira!

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Unfortunately, Madeira was hit by several catastrophes in 2010: in February heavy rainfall inundated parts of the island and caused destructive floods in river valleys on the south coast of the island, chiefly in Funchal, Ribeira Brava and Tabua. Reconstruction work of lost bridges and roads has now been largely completed, but the legacy of major forest fires in August of that year is likely to last longer, and some upper mountain footpaths in the east of the island remain closed or interrupted. Further floods in the 'Nuns' Valley' in October 2010 caused more damage to infrastructure, but this has been repaired. Despite all this, the authorities and locals have been hard at work ensuring that Madeira's tourism infrastructure has returned largely back to normal, and there is still plenty to see and do on Madeira!

==Get in==

==Get in==

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* '''Madeira International Airport'''/Funchal(FNC) ({{IATA|FNC}})({{ICAO|LPMA}}) (formerly known as Santa Catarina Airport), about 30 minutes from [[Funchal]],in Santa Cruz municipality. Tel: +351 291 52 07 00 [http://www.anam.pt/Madeira-297.aspx]. The island of [[Porto Santo]] (PXO) is in Porto Santo/Vila Baleira [http://www.anam.pt/Porto-Santo-411.aspx]. This airport is just a 15 minute flight from Madeira International Airport.

* '''Madeira International Airport'''/Funchal(FNC) ({{IATA|FNC}})({{ICAO|LPMA}}) (formerly known as Santa Catarina Airport), about 30 minutes from [[Funchal]],in Santa Cruz municipality. Tel: +351 291 52 07 00 [http://www.anam.pt/Madeira-297.aspx]. The island of [[Porto Santo]] (PXO) is in Porto Santo/Vila Baleira [http://www.anam.pt/Porto-Santo-411.aspx]. This airport is just a 15 minute flight from Madeira International Airport.

If you go to/from the airport by (rental) car, ask for directions to the parking area you need; there are 7, and they are badly signposted.

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If you go to/from the airport by (rental) car, ask for directions to the parking area you need; there are 7, and they are badly signposted. Note that some smaller rental companies operate from sites near but not at the airport, and provide transport between terminal and depot.

===By boat===

===By boat===

*[[Cruise ships]] port here.

*[[Cruise ships]] port here.

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*There is a weekly connection between Portimão (Algarve) to Madeira offered by Naviera Armas [http://www.navieraarmas.com].

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*There is a '''car ferry''' between Porto Santo and Madeira, two hours one way. Ferry Service Funchal-Porto Santo. [http://www.portosantoline.pt/]

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*There is a '''car ferry''' between Porto Santo and Madeira, two hours one way. Ferry Service Funchal-Porto Santo.[[http://www.portosantoline.pt/]

==Get around==

==Get around==

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*'''Buses''' Recommended to get a 7 days bus ticket, access to all Funchal City routes, 17.50 EUR (March 2007)

Renting a car is a great way to see the island. All European rules of the road apply in Madeira. Roads outside of [[Funchal]] can be windy and steep and petrol stations rare. Renting via the Internet is usually cheaper than walking-in.

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'''Madeira Car Hire'''

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Our agency offers you a wide range of rental cars accordingly to your choice and the possibility of renting cars, at advantageous prices.

*'''Car rental''' Renting a car is a great way to see the island. All European rules of the road apply in Madeira. Roads outside of [[Funchal]] can be windy and steep and gas stations rare. Renting via the Internet is usually cheaper than walking-in.

==Talk==

==Talk==

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==See==

==See==

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*'''Levadas''' An impressive system of aqueducts built between 1461 and 1966 to bring water from the mountains to cropland.

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*'''Levadas''' An impressive system of aqueducts built between 1461 and 1966 to bring water from the mountains to farmland.

*'''Jardim do Monte Palace''' Magnificent gardens of the former Monte Palace hotel.

*'''Jardim do Monte Palace''' Magnificent gardens of the former Monte Palace hotel.

*'''Jardim Orquídea''' Orchid garden.

*'''Jardim Orquídea''' Orchid garden.

*'''Madeira Story Centre''', [http://www.storycentre.com/uk/home.html]. The best way to learn about Madeira's history and culture.

*'''Madeira Story Centre''', [http://www.storycentre.com/uk/home.html]. The best way to learn about Madeira's history and culture.

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*'''Fireworks on New Year's eve''' The biggest fireworks in the world (Guinness world record 2007). Best places to see the fireworks include the tip of the marina of Funchal, on the cruise ship, and Pico dos Barcelos (on the side where you can see the Funchal's marina).

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*'''Fireworks on New Year's eve''' The biggest fireworks in the world (Guinness world record 2007). Best places to see the fireworks include the tip of the marina of Funchal, on a cruise ship and Pico dos Barcelos (on the side where you can see the Funchal's marina).

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*'''Miradouro''' means viewpoint. Splendid view of the island can be seen from different viewpoints. Recommended viewpoints include: Pico dos Barcelos, Pico do Arieiro, Pico de Facho, Curral das Freiras, Monte. (For Pico do Arieiro, you can check its current view from live webcam [http://www.madeira-tourist.com/page57/page57.html] [http://madeiraonline.home.sapo.pt/] before embarking your journey.)

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*'''Miradouro''' means viewpoint. Splendid views of the island can be seen from various viewpoints, including Pico dos Barcelos, Pico do Arieiro, Pico de Facho, Curral das Freiras, Monte.

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*'''Pictures of the islands of madeira and porto santo''', [http://www.ile-madere.com/photosmadereindexanglaiswilkipedia.htm].

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==Visit==

==Do==

==Do==

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*'''Madeira Nature''', [http://www.madeiranature.com]. The Nature of Madeira (Active and Eco-Tourism)

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*'''Hiking at Ponta de São Lourenço''', the eastern part of Madeira is a nature reserve with wonderful panoramic views of the Atlantic and spectacular volcanic rock formations. Many unusual species of plants are found here and are best seen from the footpath, such as the Ice Plant, Everlasting, Cardoon and many more. The hiking trail, which in recent years has been upgraded with stone steps and safety railings, can be walked comfortably with a pair of good hiking boots. The full walk, including a curcuit of the reserve at the far end, will take several hours, so carry food and drink. Down the cliff from the road before reaching the trailhead is a secluded beach called Prainha, the island’s only natural black sandy beach. Very popular with the locals, it’s great for swimming.

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*'''Hiking at Ponta de São Lourenço''', the eastern part of Madeira is a Nature Reserve with wonderful panoramic views of the Atlantic and spectacular volcanic rock formations. Many unusual species of plants are found here and are best seen on foot, like the Ice Plant, Everlasting, Cardoon and many more. Down the cliff is a secluded beach called Prainha, the island’s only natural black sandy beach. Very popular with the locals, it’s great for swimming. The hiking trail can be walked comfortably with a pair of good hiking boots. Hiking duration could last several hours, prepare food and drink.

<!-- ''If there are opportunities for travellers to study in this city -- from language to cooking classes up to full university courses -- add that here.'' -->

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*'''The University of Madeira''' [http://www.uma.pt/] is one of the youngest Public Universities in Portugal.

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*Currently '''the Mathematics and Engineering Department''' [http://dme.uma.pt] offers a joint *Professional '''Master Degree''' with the Carnegie Mellon University [http://www.cmu.edu] in '''Human-Computer Interaction''' [http://mhci.dme.uma.pt]. This top Professional Master program provides international students with opportunities to study in one of the best locations in the world, while having access to one of the world best Universities in Information and Communication technologies.

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==Work==

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<!-- ''What possibilities are there for travellers to earn money in this city? Note that this is kind of long-range and probably won't be appropriate for most destinations.'' -->

Madeira is presently one the best locations in the E.U. for companies with operations in the single market and worldwide. With reduced direct and indirect taxation, adequate infrastructures, competitive operational costs, safety and quality of life, Madeira is positioned to provide the investor with a unique package of benefits, offering a wide range of solutions to enhance the efficiency and performance of various forms of investment.

Madeira is presently one the best locations in the E.U. for companies with operations in the single market and worldwide. With reduced direct and indirect taxation, adequate infrastructures, competitive operational costs, safety and quality of life, Madeira is positioned to provide the investor with a unique package of benefits, offering a wide range of solutions to enhance the efficiency and performance of various forms of investment.

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==Buy==

==Buy==

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<!-- ''The travellers' dirty secret: we like souvenirs. What would be good to buy in this city? Local crafts? How about general shopping -- clothes, travel equipment, other?'' -->

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* '''Madeira wine''', of course. Available in many varieties in all supermarkets and specialist shops.

* '''Madeira wine''', of course. Available in many varieties in all supermarkets and specialist shops.

==Eat==

==Eat==

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<!-- ''For restaurant listings and other food-related stuff. Mention any local specialties or oddities. Specific restaurant info, or general idea of good areas of the destination to try. Be sure to explain what the price ranges are ($2 for a meal can be a splurge in some cities). Some travellers like (or have) to make their own food -- include local food-shopping options if possible.'' -->

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{{style|Listings for individual restaurants should be moved to the appropriate city article. The region article should simply provide an overview of the region's dining.}}

* '''Restaurante O Tunel''', near the tunnel of Caniçal. Seafood starters and espetada as main course. If you do the levada walk or drive around the area of Caniçal, Machico and Pico de Facho.

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* '''Restaurante O Tunel''', near the tunnel of Caniçal. Seafood starters and espetada as main course. Convenient if you do the levada walk or drive around the area of Caniçal, Machico and Pico de Facho.

==Drink==

==Drink==

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<!-- ''For bars, clubs, and other nightlife. Yes, many people go out to clubs and don't drink; the name of the section is still '''Drink'''. Mention any local specialties or oddities, and give a general idea of good areas of the destination to try. Invent groupings/labels as needed (Gay friendly, student, hipster, fancy-pants, etc). Good things to mention: dress code, entrance fees, safety concerns, solo-woman friendly or pick-up bar, good/bad nights).''

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*'''Name of Bar or Club''', Address (''extra directions if necessary''), phone number (''email, fax, other contact if possible''). Days and times open. One to three sentences about the food, service, atmosphere, view, specialties, music, what have you. $lowprice-$highprice (''extra price info''). [http://www.bar-or-club.example.com/] -->

Madeira Wine is a fortified wine prized equally for drinking and cooking. There are four major types of Madeira: Malvasia (also known as Malmsey or Malvazia), Bual (or Boal), Verdelho, and Sercial, the latter two being drier.

Madeira Wine is a fortified wine prized equally for drinking and cooking. There are four major types of Madeira: Malvasia (also known as Malmsey or Malvazia), Bual (or Boal), Verdelho, and Sercial, the latter two being drier.

==Sleep==

==Sleep==

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<!-- ''This is for helping the traveller find a place to lay his/her weary head. Give a general idea of good areas of the destination to try to find lodging. Other good info to include is high/low season, the importance of reservation, things to request (quiet room, view, airport pick up, etc).''' -->

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{{style|Listings for individual hotels should be moved to the appropriate city article. The region article should simply provide an overview of the region's lodging.}}

*'''Savoy & Royal Savoy''' - [http://www.madeiraroyalsavoy.com] Reid's rival hotel complex. Boasting a breathtaking beachfront location, this luxurious resort is set in the Bay of Funchal and combines quality facilities with a central setting. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the Royal Savoy features 174 elegant suites, each with private balcony.

*'''Savoy & Royal Savoy''' - [http://www.madeiraroyalsavoy.com] Reid's rival hotel complex. Boasting a breathtaking beachfront location, this luxurious resort is set in the Bay of Funchal and combines quality facilities with a central setting. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the Royal Savoy features 174 elegant suites, each with private balcony.

<!-- ''This is a section for general safety tips. If there are health hazards or crime problems in the city, list them here.'' -->

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Emergency Service telephone number is 112

Emergency Service telephone number is 112

Some police in Funchal have red armbands, this signifies that they speak another language other than Portuguese, mainly English and German. Crime figures for Madeira are very low.

Some police in Funchal have red armbands, this signifies that they speak another language other than Portuguese, mainly English and German. Crime figures for Madeira are very low.

==Contact==

==Contact==

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* '''Internet Access''' - In some of the larger towns and cities on Madeira there is a public ''free'' wifi internet access sponsored by the Madeiran gouvernment. You'll find a 2m tall white and blue board telling you that wifi is availlable here. There is also ''free'' access on the airport gates. Above that, some bars and cafés offer internet access too.

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* '''Internet Access''' - In some of the larger towns and cities on Madeira there is public ''free'' wifi internet access sponsored by the Madeiran government. You'll find a 2m tall white and blue board telling you that wifi is available. There is also ''free'' access in the airport terminal. In addition, some bars and cafés offer internet access too.

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Revision as of 10:25, 9 February 2013

Madeira Faial

Madeira[27] is a sub-tropical archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean and an autonomous region of Portugal. The archipelago is made up of two populated islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, and two groups of unpopulated islands called the Desertas and Selvagens Islands. It is part of the European Union ultraperifric area.

Known worldwide as the Islands of eternal Spring, Madeira, "Ilha Jardim"{Garden Island} or Pearl of the Atlantic, it has a mild climate throughout the entire year.

Madeira island is 310 miles from the African coast and 620 miles from the European continent, only 1h 30mn flight from mainland Portugal and about 3h from all the main countries in Europe.

Other destinations

Understand

Madeira Islands are just a short trip from Europe (more or less 4 hours from UK), to a destination where you can combine holidays by the sea, in the mountains or in the city.
Discovered early in the 15th century by the Portuguese navigators João Gonçalves Zarco, Tristão Vaz Teixeira and Bartolomeu Perestrelo, Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal.

Nowadays Madeira is a popular destination for tourists of all ages. Its constant mild climate (temperatures between 20 and 27°C) keeps the spring on Madeira all year round. The levadas, an ingenious system of stone- and concrete-lined watercourses distributing water from the rainy north to the dry south, help flowers and crops flourish all year. That's why this island is called the Garden in the Atlantic. The maintenance pathways for these water canals provide wonderful level trails for hiking in the mountains (up to 1861m) and through the tremendous landscape.

Unfortunately, Madeira was hit by several catastrophes in 2010: in February heavy rainfall inundated parts of the island and caused destructive floods in river valleys on the south coast of the island, chiefly in Funchal, Ribeira Brava and Tabua. Reconstruction work of lost bridges and roads has now been largely completed, but the legacy of major forest fires in August of that year is likely to last longer, and some upper mountain footpaths in the east of the island remain closed or interrupted. Further floods in the 'Nuns' Valley' in October 2010 caused more damage to infrastructure, but this has been repaired. Despite all this, the authorities and locals have been hard at work ensuring that Madeira's tourism infrastructure has returned largely back to normal, and there is still plenty to see and do on Madeira!

If you go to/from the airport by (rental) car, ask for directions to the parking area you need; there are 7, and they are badly signposted. Note that some smaller rental companies operate from sites near but not at the airport, and provide transport between terminal and depot.

Renting a car is a great way to see the island. All European rules of the road apply in Madeira. Roads outside of Funchal can be windy and steep and petrol stations rare. Renting via the Internet is usually cheaper than walking-in.

Madeira Car Hire

Our agency offers you a wide range of rental cars accordingly to your choice and the possibility of renting cars, at advantageous prices.

Talk

English is as common as in mainland Portugal, although people will always appreciate it if you try and learn a few words of Portuguese. Note that the Portuguese spoken in Madeira tends to be heavily accented.

See

Levadas An impressive system of aqueducts built between 1461 and 1966 to bring water from the mountains to farmland.

Jardim do Monte Palace Magnificent gardens of the former Monte Palace hotel.

Jardim Orquídea Orchid garden.

Madeira Story Centre, [35]. The best way to learn about Madeira's history and culture.

Fireworks on New Year's eve The biggest fireworks in the world (Guinness world record 2007). Best places to see the fireworks include the tip of the marina of Funchal, on a cruise ship and Pico dos Barcelos (on the side where you can see the Funchal's marina).

Miradouro means viewpoint. Splendid views of the island can be seen from various viewpoints, including Pico dos Barcelos, Pico do Arieiro, Pico de Facho, Curral das Freiras, Monte.

Do

Hiking at Ponta de São Lourenço, the eastern part of Madeira is a nature reserve with wonderful panoramic views of the Atlantic and spectacular volcanic rock formations. Many unusual species of plants are found here and are best seen from the footpath, such as the Ice Plant, Everlasting, Cardoon and many more. The hiking trail, which in recent years has been upgraded with stone steps and safety railings, can be walked comfortably with a pair of good hiking boots. The full walk, including a curcuit of the reserve at the far end, will take several hours, so carry food and drink. Down the cliff from the road before reaching the trailhead is a secluded beach called Prainha, the island’s only natural black sandy beach. Very popular with the locals, it’s great for swimming.

Work

Madeira is presently one the best locations in the E.U. for companies with operations in the single market and worldwide. With reduced direct and indirect taxation, adequate infrastructures, competitive operational costs, safety and quality of life, Madeira is positioned to provide the investor with a unique package of benefits, offering a wide range of solutions to enhance the efficiency and performance of various forms of investment.

Moreover, Madeira's preferential tax regime has not only been approved by Portugal, but also by the European Union as a valid form of State Aid for regional development, providing Madeira's IBC with credibility and transparency. To find out more about Madeira's special status in the E.U., please consult State Aid nº 222-A-02; State Aid nº 222-B-02 and the Commission's Decision 2003/294/CE.

For more information visit the official website of the International Business Center of Madeira[40].

Buy

Madeira wine, of course. Available in many varieties in all supermarkets and specialist shops.

Eat

This article or section does not match our manual of style or needs other editing. Please plunge forward, give it your attention and help it improve! Suggested fixes: Listings for individual restaurants should be moved to the appropriate city article. The region article should simply provide an overview of the region's dining.

Restaurante O Tunel, near the tunnel of Caniçal. Seafood starters and espetada as main course. Convenient if you do the levada walk or drive around the area of Caniçal, Machico and Pico de Facho.

Drink

Madeira Wine is a fortified wine prized equally for drinking and cooking. There are four major types of Madeira: Malvasia (also known as Malmsey or Malvazia), Bual (or Boal), Verdelho, and Sercial, the latter two being drier.

Sleep

This article or section does not match our manual of style or needs other editing. Please plunge forward, give it your attention and help it improve! Suggested fixes: Listings for individual hotels should be moved to the appropriate city article. The region article should simply provide an overview of the region's lodging.

Self-catering

Travel to Madeira ("""), ☎+351916001177, [5]. Self-catering apartments and country houses on the archipelago.

Sunny House East & Sunny House West, Paul do Mar, Vereda do Lombinho, Ribeira das Galinhas, Paul do Mar, Calheta region (from Funchal / airport, drive west to the region of Calheta. After the Calheta Marina roundabout go straight on to Jardim do Mar then Paul do Mar.), ☎+351291872036, [7]. Two private holiday rental houses.Both houses sleep 5 and are 50 metres from the Ocean front between banana fields. 10 minutes drive from the town of Calheta & its marina which has white sand beaches next to it.(32° 43' 08,83,016° 48' 49,33)

Quinta das Colmeias, Caminho do Poiso, Casais Proximos, Santo Antonio da Serra (from Funchal / airport, drive past the golf course. Just before the round about, there is a turining to your left. Is the fourth gate on your right), ☎+351291741515, [8]. Two Holiday homes. The Main house sleeps 8 and the Cottage sleeps 6. Both share a common swimming pool. A few minutes drive from Santo da Serra Golf Course and Horse Ridding Centre.(32° 43' 08,83,016° 48' 49,33)

Casas Valleparaizo, Estrada Regional 102, n.161, 9135-060 Camacha, Santa Cruz (from highway ER101 take exit 15 towards Cancela. At the roundabout, enter the tunnel. At the next roundabout go left. At the T-junction (SA supermarket), go left. Entrace is after the long pink wall at the busstop.), ☎+351291922174, [9]. Nine mountain cottages and a main house scattered around a beautiful large sloping garden. Quiet surroundings, yet only a 20 minute drive from Funchal.

Vila Galé Santa Cruz, Rua de São Fernando 9100-157 SANTA CRUZ - MADEIRA, ☎(+351) 291 529 000 (”[email protected]"), [10]. Since its launch in 2006, the Vila Galé Santa Cruz Hotel is your hotel of choice for a holiday in Madeira. Only 5 minutes away from Funchal International Airport, the Santa Cruz Hotel is a top-quality 4-star hotel where you only have the sea for a vista. Located only a few kilometers away from the tourism centre of Funchal

Villa Koala, ([email protected]), [11]. The Koala is a small hotel located on the south side of Madeira island.

Estalagem do Mar, just outside within walking distance from São Vicente on the north coast. Rooms with private bathroom and tub and view to the Atlantic Ocean. Indoor and outdoor pool, jacuzzi and a sauna, lots of parking space. Double low-season at €50.

Quinta da Quebrada, [43]. Quinta da Quebrada is on the North Coast of Madeira, more precisely in Arco de São Jorge. The place has pleasant weather, with sun all year round. Very warm and dry in summer, gentle temperature and very few rainy days in winter. The unit has 7 Bungalows all with a very beautiful view over the Atlantic Ocean, TV and Telephone. Each one is made up of a double room, a private bath-room, and a kitchenette/living-room.

Quinta Da Casa Branca[44], An old Quinta converted into a boutique design hotel, set in the heart of Funchal, among colourful gardens.

Hotel Porto Mare, Rua Simplício Passos Gouveia, 21, ☎+351 291 703700, [14]. The 4 star Porto Mare hotel, owned by Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, occupies the central wing of the Vila Porto Mare resort and benefits from the use of all its facilities. There are many different corners and atmospheres here ... something new to discover everyday.

Suite Hotel Eden Mar, Rua do Gorgulho, 2, ☎+351 291 709700, [15]. The 4 star Suite Hotel Eden Mar, owned by Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, is the place to put yourself in tune with nature and enjoy your time in the exuberance of the surroundings. Feel yourself merging with the Atlantic Ocean and experience the lusciousness of the tropical gardens.

The Residence, Rua de Leichlingen, 7, ☎+351 291 708700, [16]. The 4 star The Residence, owned by Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, is occupying the west wing of the Vila Porto Mare resort, The Residence enjoys the use of all its facilities and a real sense of community. Four restaurants, five bars, five pools, SPA,sports and children's facilities...

Reid's Palace, Estrada Monumental, 139, ☎+351291717171, [17]. Has been a standard bearer for luxury hotel excellence on Madeira island for over a century. Offering superb views of the Madeira and the ocean, a luxury hotel spa and exclusive gourmet restaurants, is the perfect hotel at which to relax. Famous for its Afternoon Tea. Including a Kids and Teens Club to welcome all family vacations. Lovely five-star Hotel where Winston Churchill used to stay! Belongs to Orient-Express.(32.640626,-16.923773)

Savoy & Royal Savoy - [46] Reid's rival hotel complex. Boasting a breathtaking beachfront location, this luxurious resort is set in the Bay of Funchal and combines quality facilities with a central setting. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the Royal Savoy features 174 elegant suites, each with private balcony.

Stay safe

Emergency Service telephone number is 112
Some police in Funchal have red armbands, this signifies that they speak another language other than Portuguese, mainly English and German. Crime figures for Madeira are very low.

Contact

Internet Access - In some of the larger towns and cities on Madeira there is public free wifi internet access sponsored by the Madeiran government. You'll find a 2m tall white and blue board telling you that wifi is available. There is also free access in the airport terminal. In addition, some bars and cafés offer internet access too.

This is a usable article. It gives a good overview of the region, its sights, and how to get in, as well as links to the main destinations, whose articles are similarly well developed. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!